Points and miles mean different things to different people. For some, a huge stash of points means a first-class ticket with free-flowing Champagne, an airplane seat in a pod with a closing door and maybe even a refreshing shower in the sky. For other people, points and miles might be less about that one epic splurge and more about spreading the wealth to take the whole family on vacation.
Now, as people are starting to tighten up their belts in the midst of an uncertain economy, I’d argue that it is the best time to book a vacation using points and miles to visit an all-inclusive resort — especially one you can book with points.
Related: Best all-inclusive resorts in the US
All-inclusive resorts are high-value
The main argument for staying at an all-inclusive resort is that you can essentially leave your wallet at home and sit comfortably in the fact that nearly everything is covered in the price that you paid when booking, including your drinks (often even alcoholic drinks) and meals. Of course, there are other expenses — transportation, souvenirs, the occasional paid excursion or, if you’re me, parasailing or hopping on some sort of tube being recklessly whipped around the ocean. But those can often be options, and sometimes airport transportation is even included in all-inclusive nightly rates.
As someone whose job it is to stay at dozens of hotels and resorts throughout the year, I can say firsthand that resort prices these days are astronomical, and it’s not uncommon for a breakfast buffet to cost upward of $50 a person and a margarita to cost $15-$20. Don’t even get me started on dinner. With an all-inclusive resort, the biggest worry is usually, “Which restaurant should we eat at tonight?”
To me, those savings alone justify the vacation, and I can spend my time lounging on the beach not worrying if my next glass of wine will require me to get a second mortgage. (Isn’t there a saying about peace of mind being priceless?)
Times are changing for the all-inclusive landscape
But aren’t all-inclusive resorts trash, the skeptics might be asking?
Well, in the last decade — particularly the last five years since the coronavirus pandemic started — all-inclusive resorts have been changing dramatically and challenging the stereotypes that have long been associated with the popular resort style: bland food, watered-down drinks, tacky design, forced fun and rambunctious crowds looking for a party.
Sure, you can find all of that, and I’ve had my fair share of lackluster pina coladas and bothersome binge-drinking spring breakers over the years.
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But a new crop of all-inclusive resorts has been popping up and reinventing the space. This new era of resorts is shifting from focusing on the masses and instead catering to different groups of today’s modern, savvy travelers with specific needs and wants, like foodies, the wellness-obsessed, luxury seekers and people who want to be immersed in the local culture.
Interestingly, the new leaders in the all-inclusive space are actually the major hotel brands with the biggest loyalty programs, including Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton and Accor.
Related: Hyatt is offering up to 40% off all-inclusive stays — and throwing in some extra surprises
In 2021, Hyatt added about 100 all-inclusive resorts to its loyalty program with the acquisition of Apple Leisure Group, and has since launched Impressions by Secrets, a high-end adults-only inclusive experience, as well as Hyatt Vivid, a lifestyle-focused, younger-leaning all-inclusive brand with beach clubs, fitness classes and experiential dining.
It was also announced that the Chicago-based company is buying Playa Hotels & Resorts, the force behind my favorite points-affiliated all-inclusive property, Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana. It also formed a joint partnership with Bahia Principe, adding even more resorts to the fold.
Also in 2021, Marriott started adding more all-inclusive resorts to Marriott Bonvoy, and it’s taking it a step further by introducing all-inclusive versions of brands we already know and love, including The Luxury Collection, the eponymous Marriott brand and, most exciting, the highly anticipated opening in May of the world’s first W-branded all-inclusive resort.
Related: How to leverage perks at these brand-new Marriott Bonvoy resorts in sunny locales
Hilton and Accor might not have as much presence in the Caribbean and Mexico, but they’re growing — and all of this growth, development and innovation in the space is forcing every resort brand, whether it’s part of a loyalty program or not, to step up its game.
For people with a stash of points and miles, this is all exceptionally good news. For people looking for an easy, affordable vacation, it’s even better.
Hyatt still uses award charts and has a special one for all-inclusive resorts. The rates start at 12,000 points per night for two people, and can reach as high as 58,000 points for a peak stay in the top-tier category. I had a great stay at the family-friendly Dreams Flora Resort & Spa in the Dominican Republic, where award stays start at 17,000 points per night.
Dynamic pricing is in play at many of the other brands, but if you’re willing to be flexible, you can find great deals using Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy points. And with sales throughout the year, sometimes you can even find cash rates lower than $100 per person, per night.
Ultimately, any vacation is whatever you make it. But when the stress of life just gets to be too much, I find myself longing for the beach and the ease of my favorite all-inclusive resorts. And now, as the know-what-you-pay-upfront vacation style continues to evolve, I’m keeping my eyes open for incredible redemptions across all of these all-inclusive brands.
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